Only Rainbows After Rain: Kesha's Long Awaited Album Arrives

August 11th, a date that Kesha fans clutched tightly while occasionally pinching themselves as a reminder that Kesha was going to drop an album after five long, rough, and tired years. Sure, her True Colors cover with Zedd and Soundcloud song Lover held us off for a little while, but the amount of media stories surrounding Kesha's injustice shoved its way to our forefront. For a long time, fans doubted any new album from her, let alone any singles. But here we are with a full length studio album from the one and only, so let's talk about it.

Words commonly used to describe Rainbow: spiritual, personal, triumphant, heartfelt, empowered. I would agree. Rainbow demonstrates Kesha's emotional feat despite her still ongoing storm with Dr. Luke and the album's association with Kemosabe Records, the label Dr. Luke managed as CEO until Sony chose not to renew the producer's contract. The ties are evident, and according to The New York Times, Dr. Luke could profit from the album. This news is a risk I am willing to take, and it did not stop me from purchasing the album.

One promising aspect of Rainbow is that Dr. Luke took no part in producing the album. Kesha involved herself in all of the songwriting, and she worked with a number of collaborators and Sony affiliated producers. Knowing this, it makes both Praying and the title track come from that much more of a genuine place. The lyrics replicate Kesha in feeling more true to themselves. In this sense, she is truly liberated. Speaking of liberation, Kesha sure likes her galaxy metaphors, especially the word stardust (see Hymn and Spaceship), but nothing shouts freedom from limits and endless potential like the cosmos. Even the music in her albums hold no bounds to a single genre. From dance pop, to rock 'n roll to country ballads and fusions between the three, Rainbow contains a mix of songs that felt restrained in her previous album, Warrior. Songs such as Let 'Em Talk fits more comfortably in the discography and resembles the stand out rock-pop track Dirty Love from Warrior. One part that remains the same for all of Kesha's albums is her dominant and confident demeanor as shown in the tracks Woman and Boogie Feet. So don't you fret, both heart-wrenching and assertive Kesha make a visit.

Also part of Rainbow's tracklist is a cover of Old Flames (Can't Hold a Candle to You) featuring the original artist, Dolly Parton, although Dolly's was a popularized cover from the actually original 1978 version by Joe Sun. Still, Kesha is no stranger to this song, as she covered it once before on her Deconstructed EP which, if you have not listened to the five song tracklist already, I HIGHLY recommend giving it your time. I imagine this song being very important to Kesha because fun fact, her mother, Patricia Rose Sebert, wrote the country hit, giving Kesha all the more reason fit the song in her album. Contrast to 2012's acoustic cover, this version contains not only Dolly but increased percussion and Kesha's booming vocals. Essentially, this version of Old Flames carries more power that carries out through Rainbow as a whole.

I suppose this was a biased review coming a Kesha fan, but I thoroughly enjoyed this album and would not just recommend but urge you to go out and buy Rainbow, even while her legal battle hangs overcast.

5 Perks Of Having A Long-Distance Best Friend

Sometimes, people get annoyed when girls refer to multiple people as their "best friend," but they don't understand. We have different types of best friends. There's the going out together best friend, the see each other everyday best friend and the constant, low maintenance best friend.

While I'm lucky enough to have two out of the three at the same school as me, my "low maintenance" best friend goes to college six hours from Baton Rouge.

This type of friend is special because no matter how long you go without talking or seeing each other, you're always insanely close. Even though I miss her daily, having a long-distance best friend has its perks. Here are just a few of them...

1. Getting to see each other is a special event.

Sometimes when you see someone all the time, you take that person and their friendship for granted. When you don't get to see one of your favorite people very often, the times when you're together are truly appreciated.

2. You always have someone to give unbiased advice.

This person knows you best, but they probably don't know the people you're telling them about, so they can give you better advice than anyone else.

3. You always have someone to text and FaceTime.

While there may be hundreds of miles between you, they're also just a phone call away. You know they'll always be there for you even when they can't physically be there.

4. You can plan fun trips to visit each other.

When you can visit each other, you get to meet the people you've heard so much about and experience all the places they love. You get to have your own college experience and, sometimes, theirs, too.

5. You know they will always be a part of your life.

If you can survive going to school in different states, you've both proven that your friendship will last forever. You both care enough to make time for the other in the midst of exams, social events, and homework.

8 Old Katelyn Tarver Songs You Probably Haven't Heard

Years ago, I found (through iTunes recommendations) a pretty cool female artist. Later found out she was on "Big Time Rush", and then I found out she had some new songs out. I decided to give her new songs a listen, and they're good. However, I prefer some of her older stuff, which sadly isn't on Spotify. Fortunately, YouTube exists, and I'm here to share the best ones.

1. "Wonderful Crazy"

This is just a fun, upbeat song for when you're having a good day. Would recommend playing in your car with the windows rolled down.

2. "Rain"

I have a very specific memory of a time when this song blessed my life, but for all intents and purposes, it is a beautiful and happy song.

3. "I'll Make It Real"

This is a beautiful song with a wonderful message about staying true to yourself. I used to listen to it on the way to school every day my senior year of high school.

4. "Something In Me"

Featured in the greatest show of all time, "South of Nowhere" season 1 episode 6. A very relatable breakup mood.

5. "Love Alone"

This is definitely the second-hardest-hitting song she's ever released. The fact that this is not on Spotify or even iTunes anymore is just not fair.

6. "Favorite Girl"

This one's cute and upbeat, a definite crush mood. Not on the same level as "Love Alone", but it's still underrated.

7. "Closer to My Heart"

Another cute love song. I'll tie it with "Everything" for cutest love song on her first album. Highly recommend both.

8. "Chasing Echoes"

Facts are facts and the facts are that Katelyn Tarver's new stuff could never go as hard as "Chasing Echoes". I can't even begin to explain how deeply these lyrics cut through me when I was fifteen. Even now, this song can take me all the way back. She is robbing us by not making this available on streaming services (or even to purchase). Katelyn, bring this song back, I am begging you.

Anyway, I'm still enjoying the new stuff and am excited to see what's next.